Baltimore Ravens: 5 things we want to see against the Rams
2. Growth from Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson had a rough start to his NFL career on Thursday. Despite a rough start he did show some signs of life. He is every bit the athlete that was promised to Baltimore, and he has obvious talent. Jackson’s blunders from last week could serve him well. Now he knows two things. He learned what to expect and he understands what he needs to work on.
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Jackson has to work on keeping his eye downfield on his passing targets. He isn’t reading his progression on a consistent basis yet. He drops back and his first instinct is to get out of the pocket, which means a scramble is always in the cards. If I was in his ear, I would tell him not to run unless he absolutely had to. We know he can do that, now we have to see him develop as a passer. He’s got to work on timing, accuracy and seeing the entire field.
Jackson set expectations back a bit in his first preseason action. Now he doesn’t have to worry about putting on a show, he can just go out there and get some work in. I gave Jackson a C- in his first report card. If he even lifts it up to a C, it will be a successful outing for the young quarterback. The only thing the Ravens can ask for with Jackson, is a little growth each week.